UPDATE: SEA CLIFF'S WICKED WEED IS DEAD

August 10 - - The Giant Hogweed, a highly toxic and invasive species of plant that was found growing near the bottom of Tilley’s Steps in Sea Cliff a little more than a month ago, is no more.

Trustee Tom Powell reported the discovery of the weed at the July 7th Village Board meeting, and said that the Village had notified the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and sought advice on how to safely get rid of it. At the Village Board Conference this past Monday, Powell stated that the unwanted plant had been killed.

Village Administrator, John Mirando, recently explained that the Village followed the steps that the DEC recommended in its reply. “With directions from DEC, we purchased a herbicide and special protective garments to work near the weed. The Herbicide was applied and the weed covered in a plastic bag. Once the weed died it was removed and disposed of with our normal yard waste.”

Although beautiful and innocuous in appearance, the Giant Hogweed has extremely poisonous sap that is far more toxic than that of the poison ivy plant, and can permanently scar or even cause more serious problems, such as blindness, to the person who is unfortunate enough to come into contact with it. The watery sap causes photo-dermatitis, a condition that makes skin especially susceptible to ultraviolent rays, and will cause severe burning and blistering if the affected skin is exposed to sunlight. The plant was introduced to the United States by gardeners during the early 20th century who were attracted to its towering height (it can grow to 12 feet) and its lovely white flowers, and often used it as an ornamental feature in both home and botanical gardens.BACK TO HOME PAGE

SEA CLIFF VILLAGE SEEKING GRANTS TO RENOVATE CHILDREN’S LIBRARY

August 10 -- At this past Monday’s Sea Cliff Village Board Conference, the trustees discussed proposed renovations to the Sea Cliff Children’s Library and efforts to secure funding for the project. The proposed upgrades include renovating the bathroom so that it is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, adding an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, converting from oil to gas heat, and installing a new ceiling with improved lighting. According to John Miranda, the Sea Cliff Village Administrator, the projects are contingent on the Village securing two grants – one for $50,000 from State Senator Carl Marcellino’s office, and a second for approximately $160,000 from the New York State Dormitory Authority. Neither grant has been awarded yet, so the timeline for the renovations is unknown at this time.BACK TO HOME PAGE